Breaking down the Canucks’ lineup and PP1 changes vs. Seattle with Jeff Paterson: Canucks Conversation
5 months ago
On today’s episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli and Harman Dayal were joined by RinkWide’s Jeff Paterson to preview the Canucks’ line shakeup ahead of tonight’s game against the Kraken. JPat provided fresh insight on the changes after attending the morning skate at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The Canucks are desperate for a spark after their third consecutive loss to the Avalanche on Tuesday. One of the biggest changes of note is forward Arshdeep Bains being slotted into the top six to play alongside Miller and Boeser.
“I think (J.T. Miller) is going to be excited to play with Arshdeep Bains,” said JPat. “Pius Suter has been a nice fit wherever he plays, and coaches feel comfortable putting him anywhere knowing he’ll be fine. He’s gone ten games without scoring a goal now, though. The hope is Bains gets a boost and can deliver a lot of what Pius Suter does on that line with J.T. Miller. The flip side is that Bains had those two incredible setups to Teddy Blueger the other night. If you put those pucks on Miller’s stick in his wheelhouse, maybe there’s potential for more scoring there.”
Another notable change is defenseman Filip Hronek’s promotion to the first power-play unit. Vancouver’s PP has been atrocious of late, scoring just once in their last 24 attempts. There are multiple issues plaguing the man-advantage for the Canucks, with a lack of shots being at the forefront. Not only have they been struggling, but are a net-negative over their last 8 games, scoring once and giving up 2 short-handed. Lindholm will be moved to the second unit as a result of Hronek’s move.
“In the short term, a change is probably good,” said JPat. “What they were doing hasn’t been working – one goal in twenty-four attempts, and a complete lack of shots on goal. Quinn Hughes hasn’t had a power-play shot in seven games. You’re seeing teams pressure up high, and he doesn’t have the one-time bomb to back guys off. Rick Tocchet talked about taking a page out of Edmonton’s book, and I guess Filip Hronek would play the role of Evan Bouchard with the big shot, while Hughes can operate as a forward on the left side with his playmaking skills. I think that’s what we’re going to see at least to start: Hughes on the left flank, Hronek at the top of the umbrella, and J.T. Miller shooting. I don’t think it’s the long-term play, but right now, I have no issues with it. The hope is they’re going to get Hronek to unload a couple of bombs – if guys block them, full credit to them, but if guys back off, there could be shooting lanes or the pressure could open up space.”
Finally, Pettersson appears to be back in the middle to center Lindholm and Hoglander.
“We heard last week Tocchet wanted to give Lindholm a long look at center; apparently, he’s seen enough. Again, that line has been alright, but I prefer EP40 in the middle – that’s where he’s proven to be at his best.”
You can watch the full segment in the video below:
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